A motorcycle accident can lead to serious consequences. It can lead to severe injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, it can leave you with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and even lost earnings. Fortunately, Georgia law allows you to seek compensation.
However, it is difficult to gather evidence and recover damages. You might not even know your legal options. And the insurance can deny your claim. We understand the challenges of recovering the full settlement. It is in your best interest to hire a Decatur motorcycle accident lawyer with experience in motorcycle injury claims to help you recover the maximum
At the SHElaw firm® in Decatur, GA, we have investigated all kinds of motorcycle accidents. We do whatever it takes to prove negligence and seek the maximum compensation for our clients. We are ready to help you recover the full compensation. Please contact our Decatur car accident lawyers at 470-378-1162 to review your case for free.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help With Your Compensation Claim?
If you get injured in a motorcycle accident, do not think you can handle everything on your own. The insurance company can make it difficult for you to recover the compensation. We highly encourage you to hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help you with your compensation claim.
An experienced Decatur motorcycle accident lawyer can help you:
Collect Evidence
You need evidence to win your motorcycle accident case. If you are seriously injured, you might not have the energy and even the time to collect the evidence. In addition, you might not know the best evidence for your case. Hire a lawyer to investigate your motorcycle accident and collect the necessary evidence.
Assess Liability
You need to prove that the responsible party was at-fault to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Your lawyer reviews the evidence to determine the type of claims you can file. Your lawyer can help you assess who is liable for your motorcycle accident. The insurer of the at-fault party pays the compensation.
Calculate Damages
You need to prove you suffered injuries and damages due to your motorcycle accident. It is, however, difficult to calculate damages on your own. In fact, the insurer can low-ball their offer. Lawyers work with experts to help them calculate damages for their clients. Your lawyer ensures you receive the full value of your claim.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Insurance companies can pay you less than you deserve or even deny your motorcycle accident claim. It is difficult to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company on your own. Your lawyer, on the other hand, has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Take the Case to Trial
Some insurance companies resolve their claims through out-of-court settlements. However, if a fair settlement deal can’t be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
It is in your best interest to hire a skilled Decatur motorcycle accident attorney to help you. The right lawyer can protect your rights and help you build a strong claim for your compensation. Our lawyers at the SHElaw firm® have years of experience representing victims. Contact us at 470-378-1162 today.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
A motorcycle accident can leave you with severe injuries. It is possible to avoid and prevent these life-altering motorcycle accidents. The most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Decatur, GA is negligence. If the driver or rider is careless or reckless while on the road, they can cause severe motorcycle accidents.
Here are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
Distracted Driving
It is illegal to text while driving in Decatur. Unfortunately, some drivers or even riders do not comply with the law. If the driver is distracted, they cannot focus on the road. They can cause a motorcycle accident since their focus is on their phone. Loud music, personal grooming, drinking, or even rowdy passengers are considered distractions.
Failure to Pay Attention to Motorcycles
If the driver does not pay attention to motorcycles, they can drift to an oncoming motorcycle. It is difficult to spot some motorcycles on the road. If the driver is distracted, they would not see the motorcycle in time. For instance, if they fail to see the motorcycle in front of them, they are more likely to hit it.
Drunk Driving or Drugged Driving
It is also illegal to use drugs or drink alcohol and drive in Decatur. Alcohol and drugs can slow the reaction time of the driver. If the driver is drunk, they find it difficult to focus on the road. They might not even see the motorcycles on the road. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause motorcycle accidents.
Faulty Brakes, Mirrors, or Lighting
Faulty brakes or lighting can cause the driver or even the rider to lose control and cause an accident. It is the responsibility of the rider and driver to perform regular maintenance on their motorcycle and vehicle respectively. Regular maintenance can prevent severe motorcycle injuries and even fatalities.
Unexpected Pedestrians on the Road
It is dangerous to ride a motorcycle. Pedestrians on the road can increase the risks of riding a motorcycle. If a pedestrian enters the road unexpectedly, it can lead to a motorcycle accident. This is because a motorcycle is small and unstable.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Georgia Traffic Safety Facts sheet, the rate of traffic deaths among motorcycle riders is higher than the rate of traffic deaths among registered vehicle drivers. And the recent 3,948 motorcycle accidents lead to 705 severe injuries and 170 fatalities among the motorcycle riders involved in these accidents.
What Are the Motorcycle-Specific Laws in Georgia?
- The State of Georgia requires all motorcycle riders to wear protective headgear.
- Georgia law allows motorcyclists to ride their motorcycles on the full lane of any public road or highway.
- Georgia law does not permit motorcycle riders to ride their motorcycles between multiple traffic lanes.
- You need to be at least 16 years to ride a motorcycle in the state of Georgia.
- The state of Georgia requires motorcycle riders to avoid lane-splitting, wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved safety helmet, and have a Class M motorcycle license.
- The motorcycles must have turn signals, working headlights, and brake lights.
If the motorcycle rider does not adhere to these laws, they can be found negligent. It can end up affecting their settlement amount under the comparative negligence rule. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, we can help you get the maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us at 470-378-1162 for a free case review.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries. The injuries can go from bad to worse within a short time. Therefore, if you or a family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we highly encourage you to seek the maximum compensation for any injuries caused by the motorcycle accident.
Here are the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents:
Broken Bones
A motorcycle accident can cause broken bones. In most cases, the motorcycle rider might break their wrists and ankles. In addition, they can experience fractures and breaks around their thighs, ribs, pelvis, and legs. Broken bones can even lead to permanent disability.
Road Rash
Motorcyclists get burn injuries during motorcycle accidents. If the body of the motorcycle rider comes into contact with asphalt or gravel, skin abrasion can occur. Skin abrasions expose nerve endings. The wounds can become infected. So, if the motorcycle rider gets burn injuries, they may need immediate medical attention.
Head and Brain Injuries
A severe blow to the head can cause brain injuries or even threaten the life of the motorcycle rider. Head and brain injuries can, therefore, completely change the life of the motorcycle rider. The motorcyclists can end up requiring therapy for the rest of their life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcycle riders are usually ejected off their motorcycles in motorcycle accidents. That is why they are more likely to suffer spinal cord injuries. The motorcyclists can smash into the vehicle in front of them. A motorcycle accident can lead to severe spinal cord injuries.
How Is Fault Determined in a Decatur Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents in Decatur, GA are based on the principle of negligence. You will need to prove that the responsible party did not meet the necessary standards of care under the laws of the state of Georgia.
The state of Georgia applies comparative negligence rules to determine fault in a motorcycle accident. If you are injured in Decatur, GA, you might not even be entitled to receive compensation. Why? If multiple parties are responsible for your motorcycle accident, the settlement is determined based on the liability of every responsible party in your motorcycle accident.
If your liability in your motorcycle accident is under 50%, you are eligible for compensation. However, if your liability in your motorcycle accident is 50% or higher, you might not be eligible for compensation. That is why we recommend hiring a good Decatur motorcycle accident lawyer.
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
If you get injured in a motorcycle accident in Decatur, you can receive compensation for your motorcycle accident. If you wear protective gear, you are still susceptible to injuries. Here are some of the types of compensation you can receive for your motorcycle accident:
Economic Damages
They cover out-of-pocket expenses that you incurred as a result of your motorcycle accident. They cover lost earning capacity, property damage, lost wage, and medical bills. You need to have strong evidence, such as your salary records and medical records, to prove economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
If you or a loved one gets injured in a motorcycle accident, you are more likely to endure intangible damages. If the responsible party was negligent, you can seek non-economic damages, such as emotional distress, permanent disability, bodily impairment, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.
Punitive Damages
If you can prove that the at-fault party was extremely reckless or caused your motorcycle accident intentionally, you can receive punitive damages. It is best to hire a lawyer to help you prove extreme negligence or malicious intent on the part of the at-fault party.
Why Was My Motorcycle Accident Claim Denied?
The insurance company can deny your motorcycle claim because of so many reasons. Here are some of the reasons the insurance can deny your claim:
- The insurance policy was expired or revoked.
- The responsible party was not covered under the insurance policy.
- The insurance company believes you caused your motorcycle accident.
- The insurance company believes you did not suffer any injuries.
- The insurance company believes your motorcycle accident did not cause your injuries.
Fortunately, if the insurance denies your motorcycle accident claim, you can appeal their decision. However, you need to hire a competent motorcycle accident lawyer to help you appeal. In fact, the insurance company may not deny your claim when you have a strong legal representation.
Are There Time Limits to Filing a Claim in Georgia?
Yes! There are time limits to filing a claim in Georgia. You need to obey these limit limits to avoid losing your right to seek compensation. You have two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury claim in Georgia. In the case of a fatal motorcycle accident, the family must file a wrongful death case within two years.
Call Our Decatur Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at the SHElaw firm® Today!
A motorcycle accident can completely change your future. You can even lose your loved one in a motorcycle accident. That is why it can have a negative impact on the lives of your loved ones. If someone else is responsible for your motorcycle accident, you do not have to spend your hard-earned money to recover from your injuries.
If you or a family member was injured in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Decatur to help you start your claim process. Hiring a good lawyer saves you money, gives you more free time, and reduces the stress of dealing with the insurance company.
At the SHElaw firm®, our motorcycle accident lawyers know motorcycle laws in Georgia. We do a thorough investigation to determine who is liable for your motorcycle accident. We offer sound legal counsel because we want to help you get the maximum compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case at 470-378-1162. We provide free consultations.
